Religion and the Humanities

The aims of the program in religion and the humanities are to acquire (1) understanding of religion as one of humankind's primary responses to and expressions of the human condition and (2) appreciation of the difficulties and possibilities inherent in undertaking a critical, disciplined study of religion. The location of the program within the Humanities Collegiate Division and its use of courses from a variety of programs imply that neither the study of religion nor its data are the privileged possession of a single discipline. The basic courses, being problem oriented, imply that there is an intellectual tradition of the study of religion that must be mastered.

Basic Courses. All students in the program are required to take a one-quarter course in each of four areas that serve as a disciplined base for further work. These areas emphasize either key methodological questions in the academic study of religion or characteristic religious data. No fewer than two of these areas must be fulfilled by taking courses within the religion and the humanities program; up to two of these areas may be fulfilled by taking courses offered by other programs. Any variation requires the written consent of the program coordinator. The four basic areas are as follows:

1. Basic problems in the study of religion (Area A). The intent is to isolate a key problem in the study of religion and to examine critically a representative sample of the kinds of data that give rise to the problem and the sorts of answers that have been proposed.

2. Basic strategies in the interpretation of religion (Area B). One or more fundamental approaches to the study of religion is carried through a given body of religious materials with rigor and criticism.

3. Basic issues in the self-interpretation of religion (Area C). A study of those texts whereby a religious tradition interprets itself to its community and to those who are outside the tradition.

4. Religious literature and expression (Area D). The focus is on specific religious texts or artifacts and techniques for their interpretation.

Other Courses in the Program. All students in the program are required to take one Western and one non-Western civilization sequence (or their equivalents) in order to gain appreciation for the problems of interpreting religion within a wider historical and cultural setting. One of these sequences may be used to fulfill the general education requirements. In addition to the four basic courses, students, with the approval of the program coordinator, select at least five courses from the wide range of College and graduate courses regularly offered on some aspect of religion. Some of these may be independent study. At least three of these courses must represent concentration in either a particular religious tradition or in a coherent set of problems in the study of religion. Finally, each student submits a senior project to be developed in consultation with the program coordinator. For students eligible for honors in the program, this project usually takes the form of a research paper developed in consultation with the program coordinator.

Grading. Concentrators must receive letter grades in the required courses (a one-quarter course in each of the four basic areas, and a civilization sequence). With consent of instructor, all other courses may be taken for either Pass or letter grading. Nonconcentrators may take any course offered by the program for either Pass or letter grading.

Honors. Students who are interested in honors should consult with the program coordinator.

202. Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Religion. A close reading of the newly published collection, The Insider/Outsider Problem in the Study of Religion (1998). J. Z. Smith. Winter. (A, B)

227. Augustine's Confessions: Ancient Autobiography and Contemporary Biography (=Fndmtl 211, Hum 227, RelHum 227). A seminar class in which Augustine's Confessions and parts of Peter Brown's biography are read and discussed in depth. There are a few brief lectures, but our emphasis is on discussion of the readings. A. Carr. Winter. (C, D)

280. Ancient Mediterranean Myths (=AncMed 386, AncSt 286, ClCiv 286, RelHum 280). A comparative study of representative archaic Near and Middle Eastern myths with careful attention to problems of reading and interpretation, and with the overall question as to whether the ancient Mediterranean world can be imagined as a single cultural system. J. Z. Smith. Autumn. (A, D)

282. Hellenistic Religions (=AncMed 388, AncSt 288, ClCiv 288, RelHum 282). A comparative study of representative types of Late Antique religions, highlighting issues of religious persistence and change. J. Z. Smith. Autumn. (A, D)

297. Readings in Religion and the Humanities. PQ: Students are required to submit a formal proposal and receive the consent of the program coordinator. Students are required to submit the College Reading and Research Course Form. J. Z. Smith. Autumn, Winter, Spring.

299. Senior Project. PQ: Students are required to submit a formal proposal and receive the consent of the program coordinator. Students are required to submit the College Reading and Research Course Form. J. Z. Smith. Autumn, Winter, Spring.